Joined
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306 Posts
I've got slightly more than 2K on the odometer now, so I think it warrants a quick review. 2K is more than enough time/miles to offer a comprehensive update. Here goes:
The fuel economy is simply awesome. Once the engine is fully broken in (perhaps around 10-15K), I don't anticipate anything less than 40 if I drive all highway or 33 if I drive all city. On my third tank of gas, I got 34.2 with mostly highway driving. The two tanks when I drove mostly city, I got 29.0 and 29.2 mpg. My last tank, which was about 40% highway and 60% city, I achieved 33 mpg. The increases are notable after every new tank.
With the exception of the tail lights, I still love the looks of the V. I always take a few moments before getting in!
Rattles are getting worse and worse. Yeah, I know - it's an economy car. But my friend's Yaris, with 56K, has no rattles. And she mashes the pedal everywhere - even over broken roads. I crawl over bumpy roads. If I go over bump at higher speeds, it sounds like the entire dash shifts and rattles.
Foam is starting to become visible from where the dash meets the windows on the driver's side. Will have to tuck them in with a credit card when I have time.
My driver's side window is loose. I hear clicks whenever the V goes over bumps. Should be an easy fix at the dealership.
Engine still whines/whistles. This is becoming unbearable. Music at volume 20 doesn't drown it out. Without the whine/whistle, the V would be an awesome, quiet ride.
Gas lid pops open when I'm hosing the car down with pressure washers at the car wash. Kinda disturbing.
Weak ass headlights. Definitely need to upgrade them.
The handling of the V sucks ass. I can't throw myself into any turns or bends with confidence. When I do, I'm like halfway off the seat. Considering a strut bar once the semester's over. The V has one of the floatiest rides I've ever encountered. Doesn't feel planted or secure like the Fit. Even the Yaris handles tighter/crisper/better.
Rope-a-dope shifter; tighter linkage, please.
Instrument panel isn't very bright - even at full brightness on dark country roads. Hate the orange illumination of the radio and HVAC controls, but this is a minor gripe. Would prefer red or the cool, calming, sea-foam green of some Hondas.
Still sounds like something is dying when I turn on the AC. Very unpleasant groaning/wailing noise. I've only used the AC thrice, so maybe it will improve with age.
All in all, I'm more happy with the V than I am disappointed. The fuel economy is great, the car is nice to look at, and it's roomy. The engine whine/whistle, rattles, poor build quality, floaty ride, and downright sloppy handling kills a lot of the enjoyment.
The fuel economy is simply awesome. Once the engine is fully broken in (perhaps around 10-15K), I don't anticipate anything less than 40 if I drive all highway or 33 if I drive all city. On my third tank of gas, I got 34.2 with mostly highway driving. The two tanks when I drove mostly city, I got 29.0 and 29.2 mpg. My last tank, which was about 40% highway and 60% city, I achieved 33 mpg. The increases are notable after every new tank.
With the exception of the tail lights, I still love the looks of the V. I always take a few moments before getting in!
Rattles are getting worse and worse. Yeah, I know - it's an economy car. But my friend's Yaris, with 56K, has no rattles. And she mashes the pedal everywhere - even over broken roads. I crawl over bumpy roads. If I go over bump at higher speeds, it sounds like the entire dash shifts and rattles.
Foam is starting to become visible from where the dash meets the windows on the driver's side. Will have to tuck them in with a credit card when I have time.
My driver's side window is loose. I hear clicks whenever the V goes over bumps. Should be an easy fix at the dealership.
Engine still whines/whistles. This is becoming unbearable. Music at volume 20 doesn't drown it out. Without the whine/whistle, the V would be an awesome, quiet ride.
Gas lid pops open when I'm hosing the car down with pressure washers at the car wash. Kinda disturbing.
Weak ass headlights. Definitely need to upgrade them.
The handling of the V sucks ass. I can't throw myself into any turns or bends with confidence. When I do, I'm like halfway off the seat. Considering a strut bar once the semester's over. The V has one of the floatiest rides I've ever encountered. Doesn't feel planted or secure like the Fit. Even the Yaris handles tighter/crisper/better.
Rope-a-dope shifter; tighter linkage, please.
Instrument panel isn't very bright - even at full brightness on dark country roads. Hate the orange illumination of the radio and HVAC controls, but this is a minor gripe. Would prefer red or the cool, calming, sea-foam green of some Hondas.
Still sounds like something is dying when I turn on the AC. Very unpleasant groaning/wailing noise. I've only used the AC thrice, so maybe it will improve with age.
All in all, I'm more happy with the V than I am disappointed. The fuel economy is great, the car is nice to look at, and it's roomy. The engine whine/whistle, rattles, poor build quality, floaty ride, and downright sloppy handling kills a lot of the enjoyment.
for a bit.
